Michael Nelson discusses the development of Hartlepool United loan pair Brad Young and Aaron Cunningham at Blyth Spartans

Cunningham returned to the National League North club for a third loan spell in September and will spend the entire season at Croft Park.

And Nelson completed a double loan swoop on his former club last month when highly-rated goalkeeper Young also agreed to spend the campaign with the Northumberland outfit.

The 18-year-old stopper has been the focus of speculation regarding interest from Premier League giants Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United after impressing in the youth team at Pools.

Despite Spartans struggles in non-league’s second tier, Nelson revealed that the Pools youngsters have impressive during a difficult start to the season and is hopeful that their time at Croft Park to provide them with an opportunity to forge successful careers in the game.

He told The Mail: “It’s been tough for both players, but they have done very well for us so far.

“Brad has had a little bit of talk surrounding him and he has been involved in the England under-19 setup as well.

“He looks like, if he keeps his development going the way it is, he can have a very good career.

“This season, his first in men’s senior football, will be massive for him and I think he is improving as he goes.

“Hopefully that will continue because we will be the beneficiaries of that.

“Aaron is in a big season, it’s now about whether he kicks on and Hartlepool give him something at the end of the season, or whether he attracts the attention of another club.

“Hopefully he will, I’d love them both to do well because if they do well and move on to have good careers, we will be the beneficiary of them having a good season on loan here.

“We hope we can play a big part in their development and hopefully that can play a part in us doing well this season.”

The duo will be back in action for Spartans on Tuesday night when they travel to Brewery Field to take on North East rivals Spennymoor Town.